Effective mitigation of explosive remnants of war requires more than individual tools. It depends on the ability to combine platforms, attachments, procedures and training into practical solutions that address real operational challenges on the ground.

In September 2022, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) presented and discussed a range of applied technologies and operational approaches for ERW clearance and IEDD, in a workshop focusing on how mechanical systems and specialist tools can be integrated into modern clearance workflows.

Mechanical systems for clearance and rendersafe tasks

Demonstrations and technical discussions centred on the operational use of the GCS-100 and GCS-200 platforms in different clearance contexts. Both systems were shown in configurations relevant to humanitarian and governmental operations, highlighting their ability to support clearance while reducing direct exposure of personnel to explosive hazards.

A particular focus was placed on rapid reconfiguration through interchangeable attachments, enabling platforms to be adapted quickly to different task requirements. This included the use of the M100 manipulator, equipped with SST100 shear and spreader tools, to support rendersafe procedures on victimoperated improvised explosive devices.

The integrated dozer blade functionality demonstrated how the same system can be used for obstacle movement and handling of heavy objects, with loads of up to 1.3 tonnes, supporting both clearance and combatengineeringtype tasks where appropriate.

Linking operational challenges with technology

The discussions emphasised the importance of matching technology to operational reality, particularly in urban environments, where IEDD and clearance tasks are characterised by restricted access, debris, civilian infrastructure and mixed contamination.

Insights were shared from GCS's urban clearance operations in Iraq, illustrating how mechanical assets, when used alongside trained teams and established procedures, can support safer and more systematic clearance in complex environments.

As part of this capabilitydriven approach, the focus was not on individual products in isolation, but on how platforms, attachments and procedures interact to form usable clearance solutions.

Complementary technologies and partner inputs

In addition to GCS systems, developments in detection and survey technologies were presented by partner organisations, including advances in UAVbased applications and nextgeneration UXO detection methods. These technologies were discussed in the context of how they can complement mechanical clearance and EOD operations by improving hazard identification and task planning.

Humanitarian mine action organisations also shared operational case studies from Lebanon and Ukraine, providing additional context on how different technologies and methodologies are applied across varying environments and threat profiles.

Supporting international clearance efforts

The exchange of operational experience also reflected ongoing international efforts to strengthen clearance capacity. In this context, reference was made to the transfer of GCS-100 platforms to support lawenforcementled ERW clearance activities, underlining the applicability of mechanical systems beyond traditional military contexts.

Capability development through exchange

The overall objective of the technology exchange was to strengthen understanding of how integrated systems and procedures can reduce risk, increase efficiency and support clearance personnel operating in hazardous environments.

By focusing on applied capability rather than standalone hardware, GCS continues to develop and refine solutions that combine mechanical platforms, specialist tools, operational insight and training to address ERW and IEDD challenges across humanitarian, governmental and security contexts.